World Storytelling Day - The Wise Fool (for kids of all ages)

Each year in March, people around the world come together for WORLD STORYTELLING DAY. We celebrate and share stories because "if I can hear your story, it's harder for me to hate you." This year's global theme, THE WISE FOOL, was chosen because many cultures have a fable, or teaching story, about a wise fool: a person whom many in their society think is foolish or silly, but who is, in the end, the wisest one of all!

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Our Storytellers:

Nothando Zulu - This well-known storyteller and local legend has reached thousands with her lively and engaging storytelling style since she started performing in 1977. She performs for all ages. Years of performance earned Nothando the distinguished title of a Master Storyteller, and her skill and techniques shine clearly as she captivates audiences. She is the president and director of Black Storytellers Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining the oral storytelling tradition as practiced by African people in the Diaspora.

Phuoc Thi Minh Tran - As the first Vietnamese librarian and a respected storyteller in Minnesota, Phuoc Thi Minh Tran has shared her experiences and knowledge of Vietnamese culture at various events, storytelling programs, libraries, and schools throughout the state. She has been recognized for her work bridging cultures and introducing the culture of Vietnam to the mainstream community. She is very proud that her books, "Vietnamese Children's Favorite Folktales" and "My First Vietnamese Words," were award-winning and nationally recognized. She will tell a tale or two from her book of folktales!

Larry Johnson - Larry Johnson is a storyteller and educator who has managed outdoor education programs, directed CCTV and community cable operations, and produced numerous radio and TV shows. He started the "teller-friendly" patient TV channel at Minneapolis Children's Hospital, and taught storytelling and video in the Minneapolis schools for over 20 years. He often accompanies his stories with music performed on items others might just throw away. He has told stories in many places around the world, but his favorite place to tell is still neighborhood schools, and with his grandchildren.

Judy Brooks - Judy is a certified Great Books discussion facilitator and taught extracurricular Literature Appreciation in public elementary and middle schools for 8 years. She incorporated story-building and storytelling into her curricula and believes that stories have the power to transform and teach.